We played the strangest new iPhone game that lets you go on dates with pigeons

There is a giant, strange, and hidden genre of video games you've never heard of. Don't believe me?

Well strap in, you poor innocent thing, because you're about to learn all about dating simulators. Specifically, "Hatoful Boyfriend," the simulator that wants to fulfill your deepest fantasies about dating pigeons.

Moa Hato/PigeoNation Inc.

Yes, you read that right.

I heard about "Hatoful Boyfriend" when it first came out in 2011, and the idea of a game where you have romantic encounters with birds never quite left me. That's not the kind of thing you can just forget about.

When I heard it was coming to iOS, I couldn't resist the opportunity to spread my wings and try it out for myself.

"Hatoful Boyfriend" belongs to a larger genre popular in Japan called "dating simulation," which lets you go on virtual dates with a variety of suitors. Think of it like one of those "choose your own adventure" books with a romantic twist.

Look at all your potential boyfriends, with their elegant plumage and love in their beady little eyes.
Moa Hato/PigeoNation Inc.

There are a ton of dating sims out there, most of which are pretty straightforward, if not a little too saucy for the average gamer. But "Hatoful Boyfriend" is definitely the strangest one we've come across.

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In "Hatoful Boyfriend," you play the sole human attending St. PigeoNation's Institute, a school for pigeons.

Moa Hato/PigeoNation Inc.

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And of course, being the new kid, all the boys are vying for your attention.

Ryouta is just one of many potential suitors you'll meet in "Hatoful Boyfriend."
Moa Hato/PigeoNation Inc.

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Why are you going to this school? Why are you trying to date birds? Don't worry about it.

Moa Hato/PigeoNation Inc.

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As you attend your classes, the various bachelors of St. PigeoNation's will introduce themselves. As your conversations with each bird play out, you'll get more information about each bird's personality. You know, like a normal date. But with birds.

Moa Hato/PigeoNation Inc.

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And it's up to you to decide who you want to pursue.

You can choose who you want to further your relationships with by engaging in additional conversations with them.
Moa Hato/PigeoNation Inc.

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If you're having trouble getting attracted to a bird — yeah, right — "Hatoful Boyfriend" lets you see what they would look like as a human.

Ryouta Kawara has a sort of vampiric handsomeness to him, I guess.
Moa Hato/PigeoNation Inc.

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Sakuya boasts a beautiful tail, but he was a bit too stuck-up for my tastes.

Moa Hato/PigeoNation Inc.

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I decided to pursue Kazuyaki Nanaki, a math professor at St. PigeoNation's Institute who is "famously soporific," meaning that he tends to fall asleep at inopportune times.

He said I was a "poppy in a field of rye." I couldn't resist his charms.
Moa Hato/PigeoNation Inc.